The 50-year-old won over any doubters last season by securing the club's best Premier League points total and highest finish since returning to the top flight in 2008.

"I was always confident about him, as was [Coates' son] John, and that is obviously why we took the decision we did to appoint him last year," he told The Sentinel.

"But in saying that, it is still great to have that point proved. We always felt there was a very good manager there and his track record, once you took away a pretty short experience at QPR, showed that.

"But on top of all this is the added bonus of finding him to be a thoroughly decent person with whom we are enjoying a great working relationship.

"I'm sure he was anxious when he came because things had gone a bit wrong for him and a lot of people were being critical so he's got to be pleased to have had such a good season with us.

"Maybe people are now realising that he is a good manager after all.

"But in saying that, we all know next season will not be easy, and I'm sure Mark would be the first to say that. You take nothing for granted in football."